Vets warn $8 Kmart product puts furry friends at risk
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If you’re a proud pet parent, you know that life with a furry companion is filled with cuddles, laughter, and the occasional 'What on earth did you just eat?' moment.
But let’s be honest—one of the less glamorous sides of pet ownership is dealing with their bathroom habits.
Whether you’re a dog walker who’s forgotten the poo bags one too many times or a cat owner on a never-ending quest to keep the litter box from taking over your home with its unique aroma, we’ve all been there.
So, when a budget-friendly solution pops up at Kmart promising to banish those pesky pet odours for just $8, it’s no wonder Aussie pet owners are keen to give it a go.
But before you rush out to stock up, vets are urging caution—especially if you have a curious kitten or a pet with a penchant for sampling things they shouldn’t.
One Kmart shopper recently shared her experience online after purchasing the Cat Litter Scents in a Bottle, also known as the Cat Litter Odour Eliminator.
She hoped it would keep her home smelling fresh, but things took a worrying turn when her five-month-old kitten became unwell shortly after the product was added to the litter.
'She eats bloomin’ everything,' the owner wrote, wondering if the new beads were to blame.
This story quickly caught the attention of pet experts, who weighed in with some important advice.
Dr Natalie Slade from the Beaches Vet in Sydney explained that while the ingredients in the Kmart product—activated charcoal and clay—are generally safe, they’re not meant to be eaten.
And if you’ve ever had a kitten, you’ll know that 'not meant to be eaten' is basically an invitation for them to try.
'Ingesting the beads in large numbers could potentially result in illness from excessive amounts of the ingredients being absorbed or from a gastrointestinal blockage,' Dr Slade warned.
Her advice? The product may be suitable for adult cats who aren’t prone to eating non-food items, but it’s best avoided for kittens and curious cats.
Vet nurse Tess Nolan echoed these concerns, saying she prefers to stick with traditional, high-quality kitty litter—especially for young cats.
'These litter balls could look more like a toy than a toilet,' she said, raising the risk of foreign body ingestion and expensive vet visits.
Pet Insurance Australia spokesperson Nadia Crighton revealed that gastrointestinal issues are the most common insurance claim for cats, with treatment costs ranging from $727 to a staggering $27,061 for cats aged 1 to 8 years.
That $8 bargain could end up costing a lot more if your pet ends up at the vet.
As with many pet products, reviews are divided. Some shoppers rave about the odour eliminator, claiming it works wonders and keeps their homes smelling fresh.
'Few cupfuls in kitten litter and no more smells—really works. Recommend,' one happy customer wrote.
But others, especially those with veterinary experience, are more cautious.
'I would never trust that (I’m a vet nurse) because: where was it made, what is it made of, is it toxic?' one commenter questioned.
Many recommend sticking to natural, non-toxic options, such as Breeder’s Choice.
Kmart has stated that they take product safety seriously and have not received similar complaints about the odour eliminator, which has been on shelves for years.
They encourage anyone with concerns to contact their customer service team for investigation.
If you’re looking for alternatives to keep your home smelling sweet, the experts have some tried-and-true tips:
When it comes to your pet’s health, sometimes it’s better to spend a little more on a tried-and-true product or stick to natural solutions.
Have you tried this product, or do you have your own tips for keeping the litter box (and your home) smelling fresh? We’d love to hear your experiences and advice! Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Read more: The cat’s out of the bag: Michu’s eco-friendly litter is changing the game
But let’s be honest—one of the less glamorous sides of pet ownership is dealing with their bathroom habits.
Whether you’re a dog walker who’s forgotten the poo bags one too many times or a cat owner on a never-ending quest to keep the litter box from taking over your home with its unique aroma, we’ve all been there.
So, when a budget-friendly solution pops up at Kmart promising to banish those pesky pet odours for just $8, it’s no wonder Aussie pet owners are keen to give it a go.
But before you rush out to stock up, vets are urging caution—especially if you have a curious kitten or a pet with a penchant for sampling things they shouldn’t.
Kmart’s $8 Cat Litter Odour Eliminator has been flagged by vets as potentially unsafe for kittens, with ingestion risks linked to illness or blockages. Credit: Facebook
One Kmart shopper recently shared her experience online after purchasing the Cat Litter Scents in a Bottle, also known as the Cat Litter Odour Eliminator.
She hoped it would keep her home smelling fresh, but things took a worrying turn when her five-month-old kitten became unwell shortly after the product was added to the litter.
'She eats bloomin’ everything,' the owner wrote, wondering if the new beads were to blame.
This story quickly caught the attention of pet experts, who weighed in with some important advice.
Dr Natalie Slade from the Beaches Vet in Sydney explained that while the ingredients in the Kmart product—activated charcoal and clay—are generally safe, they’re not meant to be eaten.
And if you’ve ever had a kitten, you’ll know that 'not meant to be eaten' is basically an invitation for them to try.
'Ingesting the beads in large numbers could potentially result in illness from excessive amounts of the ingredients being absorbed or from a gastrointestinal blockage,' Dr Slade warned.
Her advice? The product may be suitable for adult cats who aren’t prone to eating non-food items, but it’s best avoided for kittens and curious cats.
Vet nurse Tess Nolan echoed these concerns, saying she prefers to stick with traditional, high-quality kitty litter—especially for young cats.
Pet Insurance Australia spokesperson Nadia Crighton revealed that gastrointestinal issues are the most common insurance claim for cats, with treatment costs ranging from $727 to a staggering $27,061 for cats aged 1 to 8 years.
That $8 bargain could end up costing a lot more if your pet ends up at the vet.
As with many pet products, reviews are divided. Some shoppers rave about the odour eliminator, claiming it works wonders and keeps their homes smelling fresh.
'Few cupfuls in kitten litter and no more smells—really works. Recommend,' one happy customer wrote.
But others, especially those with veterinary experience, are more cautious.
Many recommend sticking to natural, non-toxic options, such as Breeder’s Choice.
Kmart has stated that they take product safety seriously and have not received similar complaints about the odour eliminator, which has been on shelves for years.
They encourage anyone with concerns to contact their customer service team for investigation.
If you’re looking for alternatives to keep your home smelling sweet, the experts have some tried-and-true tips:
- Feed a high-quality, low-residue diet: This can reduce the odour of your cat’s waste.
- Clean regularly: Scoop the litter box daily and wash it weekly with a pet-safe cleaner.
- Ventilation is key: Keep the litter area well-ventilated to prevent ammonia build-up.
- Try natural deodorisers: Activated charcoal inserts, a sprinkle of baking soda under the litter (not on top), or natural deodorisers labelled as kitten-safe can help.
- Consider a hooded litter tray: This can contain mess and odour, but remember, nothing beats regular cleaning.
When it comes to your pet’s health, sometimes it’s better to spend a little more on a tried-and-true product or stick to natural solutions.
Read more: The cat’s out of the bag: Michu’s eco-friendly litter is changing the game
